Functional Cutouts
Display windows, switch openings, connector patterns and countersinks are controlled so front and rear panels fit without rework.
OEM Panel Fabrication
Custom Sheet
Custom Sheet
Metal Panels
Manufacturer
Custom flat and formed sheet metal panels for electronics, machinery, data center, medical, kiosk and industrial enclosure programs. We build front panels, access covers, vented panels, rear plates, mounting panels and cosmetic face panels with repeatable cutouts, finish quality and hardware fit.
✓ Flat, formed and vented panels
✓ Brushed, anodized or powder coated
✓ Hardware and assembly ready
RFQ panel program scope
RFQ
Example Order Size
Drawing
Critical Dimensions
RFQ
Configuration Count
Plan
Inspection Scope
01 / What We Fabricate
The Panel Structure Behind the Finished Equipment
Panels control the way operators see, access and cool a product. We fabricate the panel set around your drawing package so cutouts, surface finish, flatness and packaging stay consistent from pilot build to repeat production.
Airflow Features
Vent slots, louvers, fan openings and perforations are balanced against stiffness, flatness and deburred edge quality.
Formed Edges and Returns
Return flanges, tabs, gasket lands and hinge areas are formed in a sequence that protects panel fit and visible faces.
Visible Surface Control
Grain direction, anodized or powder-coated faces, masking and protective packout are defined before production release.
Our scope: the fabricated panel set
We fabricate the cut, punched, formed, finished and protected panel family. Your team integrates displays, labels, electronics, gaskets and final product assemblies.
02 / Panel Types
Panels for Enclosures, Machines and Electronics
Panel work combines cosmetic requirements with functional fit. We control flatness, hole pattern, ventilation geometry, finish and packout so panels arrive ready for assembly.
Front / Rear Front & Rear Panels
Precision cutouts for displays, switches, connectors, fans, labels and fasteners with clean cosmetic surfaces.
- Features Cutouts and countersinks
- Finish Brush, anodize, powder coat
- Use Electronics and equipment
Vented Vented & Perforated Panels
Vent slots, perforations, louvers and fan guards for thermal airflow while maintaining panel stiffness and appearance.
- Patterns Slots, louvers, perforation
- Controls Flatness and burr control
- Use Cooling and access panels
Access Formed Access Panels
Return flanges, tabs, hinges, captive hardware and gasket lands for removable access covers and enclosure side panels.
- Features Flanges, tabs, hinges
- Hardware PEM nuts and studs
- QC Fit and cosmetic inspection
Cosmetic Cosmetic Face Panels
Visible panels with brushed grain, anodized or powder-coated finishes, protected packout and surface criteria agreed before production.
- Surfaces Brushed / coated
- Controls Grain and masking
- Packout Film and separators
03 / Technical Capabilities
Typical Sheet Metal Panel Specification
| Materials | Aluminum 5052/6061, mild steel, galvanized steel, stainless steel and copper alloys |
|---|---|
| Processes | Laser cutting, CNC punching, countersinking, brushing, bending, hardware insertion and assembly |
| Panel features | Vent slots, louvers, perforations, connector cutouts, tabs, return flanges, gasket lands and hinges |
| Finishes | Brushed grain, clear or black anodizing, powder coating, passivation, zinc plating and masking |
| Quality controls | Cutout fit, flatness, grain direction, cosmetic surface checks, coating thickness and protected packaging |
04 / Manufacturing Process
Built for Fit, Finish and Repeatability
01
Panel DFM Review
Confirm cutout tolerances, bend relief, grain direction, cosmetic face and hardware stack-up.
02
Cutting & Surface Prep
Laser cut or punch panels, deburr edges, brush grain where required and protect cosmetic faces.
03
Forming & Hardware
Form flanges, countersink holes, insert hardware and verify panel fit against fixtures.
04
Finish & Protective Packout
Finish panels, inspect cosmetic surfaces and pack by SKU with separators to prevent handling marks.
05
Inspection
Verify cutout size, flatness, grain direction, hardware seating, coating thickness and visible surface criteria.
06
Protected Delivery
Pack panels by SKU, finish sensitivity and assembly station using film, sleeves or separators where needed.
05 / Why It Matters
What Makes a Panel Program Work
Panel quality is visible to operators and measurable on the assembly line. The details below keep the product looking right and fitting right.
Clean Cutout Fit
Connector, display and switch openings need consistent edge quality and location after finishing.
Stable Flatness
Vent patterns and formed edges are planned so panels do not bow, twist or fight fasteners.
Visible Finish Quality
Brushed grain, anodizing, powder coat and masking need agreed cosmetic standards before the first batch.
Protected Logistics
Finished panels need the right separators, films and labels to survive freight and line-side handling.
Customer Project
Telecom Front Panels: Marking Durability and Window Fit
Materials, fabrication decisions and results for an anonymous customer project.
Component reference image
The Customer Challenge
Markings wore away, indicator brightness was uneven and inaccurate holes impaired panel installation.
Project Measurements & Details
≥500 cyclesMarking wipe test
±0.05 mmHole-position tolerance
482 × 44 mmApproximate 1U panel
Results apply to the project configuration described on the linked page.
Read the Customer Project → 07 / Why Choose Us
Why OEMs Trust DRAmetal for Panel Programs
01
Drawing-Based Project Review
Define the mating interfaces, critical dimensions, finish, inspection records and delivery requirements in the released drawing package.
02
Cosmetic surface discipline
Grain direction, visible faces, masking and finish criteria are defined before production, not after panels are packed.
03
Venting and stiffness balance
Slots, louvers and perforations are designed for airflow while keeping panel rigidity and edge quality under control.
04
Protected packout
Finished panels ship with film, separators or sleeves where needed so visible surfaces survive freight and line-side handling.
08 / Related
Related Fabricated Products
09 / FAQ
Custom Sheet Metal Panel FAQ
Can you make cosmetic front panels?
Yes. We support brushed aluminum, anodized panels, powder-coated steel and stainless panels with protected cosmetic packaging.
Can you make vented panels and louvers?
Yes. We fabricate vent slots, perforated patterns, louvers, fan openings and guards, and we review open area and stiffness during DFM.
How do you protect finished panels?
We use protective film, separators, corner protection and SKU-level packout plans depending on finish sensitivity and shipment method.
Get Started
Need Custom Panels
Need Custom Panels
Made to Your Drawing?
Send your panel drawing, cosmetic face requirements, material, finish and target quantity. We will return a DFM review and production quote.